Category Archives: General Observations

Just things I see that make me think.

by | November 4, 2011 · 1:54 pm

A Small Observation

Politically Incorrect

OK, I will admit it, once you read what this is all about you will tell me that I am being politically incorrect, insensitive, or mean-spirited. You will say that the title of this post is inappropriate and beneath me (well, the beneath part is right). You may tell me that I should not make fun of those who are “vertically challenged.”

If you say these things because you think I am making fun of short, small, or otherwise non-tall people, then think again. I am only being humorous at their expense to make a point. Actually, it won’t be at their expense for long. I am going to pay the bill.

Children Can be Cruel

You know that is true. I know it more than I want to. When driving around a bus load of elementary children, one can hear a lot of cruel comments come from their little, angelic, crumb-crunching mouths.

Little girls, as well as little boys, can get downright mean with the things that they say. They think what they say, however, is purely harmless. They have no idea of lasting consequences. They have yet to sit through months or years of counseling.

Because kids can be unintentionally cruel, I try to steer them (literally) away from opportunity. But on one occasion, even though I did the best I could, the kids jumped at the chance to gawk and laugh. I will never forget what I saw.

Choosing Not to Hear

Not long ago I was driving my school bus down a two-lane road when just ahead of me I spotted a dwarf…a short guy…a midget…walking by the curb. Immediately, I knew what was about to happen.

Right ahead of where this guy was walking was a place I had to make a stop. Sadly, I could not just speed on by, but had to slow down. When the first child saw this little man it didn’t take long for the 20+ others to shift over to that side of the bus to take a look. In an instant there was laughter.

But in all honesty, the laughter was not all that loud. My kids are aware that stuff like that makes me angry, so they try not to get caught. So, only if one had been really listening or paying attention could that person have heard the giggles and jokes. The little man on the road didn’t want to take any chances.

As soon as I started to pass by this 3ft-tall little bald guy with biker tattoos (wearing a tank top and little jeans), he did something that really broke my heart -he put his finger in his ear. He knew what was coming, and he didn’t want to hear.

That simple action said a whole lot. 

  • He had heard cruel laughter before
  • He expected to hear it again
  • He knew what kinds of things would be said
  • He did not have the will, nor the ability to defend himself
  • He decided to not listen, but to close his ears
Sadly, many are convinced what other people say about them is true. The jeers and the laughter not only offend, but cut deeply, causing irreparable scarring and pain. How many have given up? How many have quit defending themselves?

One of the characteristics of a true Christian should be that he defends the defenseless, the ones who can not speak up for themselves. Psalm 82:3 says that we should “defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy.” Couldn’t this also apply to standing up for those who are made fun of or mocked unjustly?

Consider the words of Jesus: “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself” (Mark 12:31). What kind of person would want to be laughed at because of something he/she could not help?

Be Considerate

The next time you are tempted, consider what you are doing. The next time you are around someone, even a child, who makes fun of another person, stop and take the time to “defend” and “do justice.”

Don’t walk around with a finger in your ear.

1 Comment

Filed under Christian Maturity, Do not judge, General Observations, self-worth, Uncategorized

Tagged as , , , ,

by | October 27, 2011 · 7:54 pm

Barriers to Church Growth #7 (Self-honoring Giving)

A very revealing study was done, leading to a book detailing how 300 churches went from declining or dying, to growing. In Comeback Churches, written by Ed Stetzer and Mike Dodson, there is a list of 30 different barriers to church growth. Having received permission from the publisher (B&H Publishing Group), I would like to discuss a different barrier each week.

“People think of giving as being for their own honor.”

“Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.” – Matthew 6:2-4 KJV

I don’t have a problem with buildings, wings of buildings, rooms, sanctuaries, pews, or stained-glass windows being named in honor of people. It’s when those people give money in order have their names put on those things.

One of the most commonly used complaints against the church is, “They only want your money.” Just throw a rock into any crowd and the chances are high that you’ll hit a disgruntled, self-proclaimed atheist who thinks that way.

But even though most churches aren’t all about money (if they were, then why are so many struggling with tight budgets?), there are some folk within the church that like others to know how much money they have. These are the ones who pay the bills, and everybody knows it.

Jesus spoke of those who give just to be seen. I know people like that. They don’t give anonymously, heaven forbid. No, they hold a new conference and write an over-sized, four-foot-long check to the church, while posing for the camera.

These are the people who think they have more say-so in the congregation of believers. They think they have earned the right. Some even give in order to purchase titles, such as “prophet.” What’s worse, that very practice is applauded within a particular denomination. How sad.

What we need are more people who are willing to give because they love the Lord, not praise. I love the scene in Facing the Giants where a wealthy man gives the coach a new truck. Then he looks over at his son and says something like, “Don’t you say a word.” Now THAT’S what I’m talking about!

God gives to us so that we can give to Him. When it is money that we give, it is to be for His glory, not ours. So, if you want recognition, why not wait a little while for the kind that will come from your Heavenly Father?

The praise of men is worthless, if not simply envy in disguise. 

Related articles

3 Comments

Filed under Christian Living, Christian Maturity, General Observations, Uncategorized

Tagged as , , ,

by | October 14, 2011 · 1:42 pm

Monkeys in Space: Almost

Disclaimer: Due to the author’s sense of humor, those without one should skip this article.

True Story

Sometime last month (between August and September, 2011) the primates of Iran were in mourning. What was supposed to be a small step for monkey, a large tree swing for monkeykind, ended in tragic failure. Now, all space monkey programs are on hold, indefinitely.

Recently, it was learned that Iran had attempted to send a live monkey 75 miles into space for a 20 minute orbit. Soaring into history inside the Kavoshgar-5 rocket, this little squeaker was going to show the world that Iran was that much closer to either putting a man in space, or launching banana hurling chimps at America. But something went wrong – terribly wrong. (Click here for the news story)

Old Story

What amazes me is that it has been over 52 years since NASA sent 2 monkeys, Able and Baker, into space (May 28, 1959). Both survived. Miss Baker even went on to live to 27 years while staying at the Huntsville Space and Rocket Center in Alabama.

NASA went on to send even more monkeys into space. The lessons learned from these missions were invaluable to the growing space program which ultimately put men on the moon in 1969, just ten years after the first monkey went ballistic (pun intended).

Now we have Iran attempting to do what we did 52 years ago (without Windows 8), and they still failed. How depressing that must be! How embarrassing for the poor little dessert monkeys! Surely they are wishing they could defect to a Western zoo about now.

Advanced Griping Standards

So, I couldn’t help but think about something. We all know that Iran hates us, correct? I think I know why. We have more advanced griping skills. Let me explain.

Since 1969 Americans have been without excuse for failure. Since then there have been unbelievable advances in every kind of technology known to man. Why? Because whenever there was a need, all somebody would have to say was, “We can put a man on the moon, but we can’t…” Here are a few examples of how that would sound…

  • We can put a man on the moon, but we can’t make an fast-cooking oven?
  • We can put a man on the moon, but we can’t make a cordless telephone?
  • We can put a man on the moon, but we can’t have more than 3 television stations?

You see, all someone would have to do is throw out that “man on the moon” thing and genius would be shamed into action. I just can’t help but wonder if that is why Iran is always in such a bad mood. Is this why they hate us so much, aside from supporting Israel, and all? I mean, when you stop and think about it, they can’t even elevate themselves to the same level of complaining!

  • We can put a man on the ……..wait…….
  • We can put a monkey on the ………no, wait…….
  • We can kill a monkey strapped to a bottle rocket, yet we still can’t find a cure for camel bad breath?

There’s just no comparison, is there? No wonder they are so far behind. No wonder they hate us. We’re 50 years ahead in griping standards!

The Greatest Standard

But when it comes to standards, there is one that we all fall short of – the holiness of God. We can look at our own achievments and compare them to others, but how do they compare to God? We can compare our righteousness to the deeds of our neighbor, but how do we compare with God?

“Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the LORD your God.” – Leviticus 20:7 KJV

“Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” – 1 Peter 1:16 KJV

We can put a man on the moon, but we can’t save ourselves. We can do great and wonderful things, but we can’t achieve holiness. The heart of man is “desperately wicked” (Jeremiah 17:9). The only way we can truly be “holy” is when we “put on Christ” (Romans 13:14). Then, and only then, can we rise to our full potential, for we can “do all things through Christ.”

 

1 Comment

Filed under America, General Observations, God

Tagged as , , , ,

by | October 12, 2011 · 12:30 pm

Courageous: A Review

Could I recommend anything more highly than going to see Courageous?

Sure…here are a few examples:

  • Breath and exhale on a regular basis.
  • Take a potty break at least once a day.
  • Eat nutritious foods and drink hydrating, non-addictive fluids, if possible. But if none of these are available, feel free to eat McDonald’s chicken nuggets and swig down a tall Coca Cola product…you don’t want to starve.
  • Call your mother on Mother’s Day.

Other than that, I can’t think of too many things I would rather you do, especially if you are a man, than go see this movie. It is THAT good.

It’s a Wake-Up Call

From the people that made Facing the Giants and Fireproof comes a movie that should challenge every man to become the courageous leader he was meant to be. Much like a wake up call that resembles ice water in the face and banging trash cans at 0400 (that’s 4 am), Courageous will make any father worth his salt re-evaluate some things.

I will tell you, I was in tears for part of the movie, laughing in another part, tense in three parts, and under conviction the rest. And guys, when you take your wife, make sure you sit a seat away if she startles easily. And if you haven’t been the best husband, you’d better be prepared to make a change. You’ll know if you see her using napkins covered in popcorn “butter” and salt to wipe the tears away from her eyes.

It’s Worth the Ticket Price

Was the acting as good as can be found in an Oscar-winning motion picture? Probably not. But everything else was on par with anything Hollywood and it’s hedonistic values can pump out. Now that Sony has been putting some money into the production, the Kendrick brothers have been able to create a much higher quality product. So, don’t be fooled by critics into thinking its going to be a lame, evangelical, low-budget Church flick. It’s worth the price of a ticket in an HD theater.

Plot?

When it comes to the plot, I don’t want to give anything away you don’t already know. It’s about policemen, Mexican workers, drug dealers, death, life, and how a real father, not just a one-night-stand-er, can make a difference. It’s about modern day dads making a resolution to be “courageous.”

Favorite scene? Well, let’s just say it has to do with a chicken sandwich, waffle fries, a milkshake, and the Snake Kings.

A final thought. Even though many will still think of this movie as “preachy,” all because it promotes a solid message without resorting to sex, profanity, or any other Hollywood mainstay, one thing remains the same: the Kendrick brothers have not lost their focus. Just look at this quote from the end of a critical review in the Seattle Times:

[The] bigger message might be that the Kendricks haven’t sold out, “gone Hollywood” or watered down their beliefs to reach an audience beyond the faithful.

And God bless them!

Related articles

7 Comments

Filed under Defending Traditional Marriage, Defining Marriage, Divorce, General Observations, Life Lessons, Movie review

Tagged as , , , ,

by | October 10, 2011 · 10:31 am

Even Though It’s Monday

No Time Off 

Many preachers/pastors take Monday off. I don’t. I can’t. So, Monday mornings around 5 a.m. I am getting ready to greet the dark with a smile.

This morning, like many Mondays, the last thing I wanted to do was get out of bed. I just wanted to stay covered up and deaf to any alarm that dared wake me.

Then, after getting up and on the bus, a thought crossed my sleep-deprived mind – even though it is Monday…

At Least I’m Not a Toy Monkey

No, I am not a monkey. Specifically, I am not a 25-year-old puppet monkey named Buddy. I am human…a man…a divinely created person. I am not a synthetic, stitched toy with a hand up my…well, you get it.

Even though it is Monday, and I have 2 weeks worth of work to do in 5 days, I am loved by God. Buddy the monkey is only loved by 3 people, maybe 4 or 5, depending on the mood of the day.

Even though it is Monday, and burdens weigh heavy on my heart, I do not carry them alone. Buddy, even though he has no burdens, has been secluded in a box more years than he has seen the daylight. Buddy doesn’t understand pain or heartache, but neither does he understand joy, love, worship, or fellowship.

Even though it is Monday, I was created by God. Buddy was made on a Chinese sewing machine.

Even though it is Monday, I can praise God for another day. Buddy, a toy monkey, knows nothing about praise. He’s just cute.

“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.” Genesis 1:27

“LORD, what is man, that thou takest knowledge of him! or the son of man, that thou makest account of him!” Psalm 144:3

“This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it” Psalm 118:24


			

	
	

		
4 Comments


					
Filed under General Observations, God, Life Lessons, self-worth, worship

			
Tagged as , , , 

			









	


		by  | October 6, 2011 · 10:09 am	


	
In the News, 10/06/11
	

		


Steve Jobs shows off iPhone 4 at the 2010 Worl...
Image via Wikipedia




Steve Jobs – Dead


Steve Jobs – What a great example of how someone can take an idea and run with, make billions, and still make the world a better place. He will be missed. The sad thing is that no matter how much money you make, it won’t buy life.


A fellow blogger (The Seeking Pastor) mentioned this morning how that when he learned of Jobs’ death the thought crossed his mind, “I never prayed for him.” That was convicting, for neither did I. But right after that, the thought crossed my mind, “And even with all his riches and technology, he couldn’t live a day longer.”


The Psalmist said, “My days are like the evening shadow; I wither away like grass”– Psalm 102:11 NIV. The wealthiest among us are no different than the poor. Let this loss be a reminder to us all that “death is no respecter of persons.” I hope Steve was ready. Our condolences to his family…and Apple.


Wall Street Protests


What a  great example of people who protest and complain without having the slightest idea what they are doing or how they’re being used.


The irony of all this is that they decry Wall Street and big corporations, but then rely on the very devices created by the genius of capitalism (i.e., iPhones, Blackberries, and iPads) to promote and transmit their vitriol .


I love what Herman Cain said about these people, “Don’t blame Wall Street, don’t blame the big banks, if you don’t have a job and you’re not rich, blame yourself. It is not someone’s fault if they succeeded, it is someone’s fault if they failed.” AMEN!


Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/2011/10/05/2011-10-05_herman_cain_to_occupy_wall_street_protesters_if_youre_not_rich_blame_yourself.html#ixzz1a0bWF2ag


Obama’s Job’s Bill


Oh, the irony is getting deeper.


Steve Jobs dies…People without the jobs they want protest the people who make jobs…President Obama promised jobs, and promised jobs, and promised jobs.


It seems that the only sure-fire way to create jobs is to raise him from the dead. Maybe Mr. Obama will suggest that in his next (one of a thousand) job-creation news conferences.

			

	
	

		
2 Comments


					
Filed under General Observations

			
Tagged as , , , , 

			









	


		by  | October 4, 2011 · 10:22 am	


	
Technology Smechnology
	

		
The Old Days


Do you remember the old days? “Which old days?” you ask. The old days when a “cell phone” was what a wealthy, white-collar prisoner might have. The days when a telephone had a cord and an actual dial. The days when if you missed a number when your finger slipped, you had to start all over (God forbid it was a long distance number).


Do you remember the old days of cell phones? Do you remember when the coolest thing on earth came in a bag and had a 6 inch antenna? And oh, it had a cord, too. Those days were not that long ago.


I remember the first cell phone I ever used and where I used it. It was in a Ford Racing team truck. It was attached to the floor of the truck and had a spin dial. It cost 25 cents a minute.


My first cell phone, back in the “old days,” was a bag phone. I could barely afford the minutes, so I didn’t use it much. On the other hand, I would drive down the road at night with the receiver up to my left ear. The buttons on the handset were on the outside, so the green glow could be seen by passing motorists. They only thought I was talking. I was way cool.


The greatest thing about a cell phone back then was the fact that one didn’t have to stop and use a pay phone. No one even dreamed about surfing the internet or emails. Most people had never even heard of something called GPS. For crying out loud, we weren’t too far removed from the “science fiction” flip phone communicator from Star Trek!


The New Days


Forget Star Trek. Captain Kirk would have been speechless if he had possessed a true Android. Spock would have become emotional if handed an iPhone4. Now, even the most technologically advanced iPhone 4 (my phone) is being relegated to the “has-been” stack of old technology. But geez, how much technology do we really need?


Today the iPhone 5 will be revealed. As of this writing, I have no idea what it will be like. Do I care? Well, maybe a little…but I shouldn’t. What more do I need in a phone?


Technology in Action


Right now, without a hesitation, I can use my little communicator to take HD pictures, check email, shoot quality video and post it to the web, play incredible games, surf multiple pages on the internet, and believe it or not, make a PHONE CALL! What more do I need?! REALLY?


We are progressing way too fast, people. Way too fast. Maybe we should really be thinking of the truth of Daniel 12:4 – “But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, [even] to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.” The end may be nearer than we want to admit.


Related articles


			

	
	

		
4 Comments


					
Filed under Future, General Observations

			

			









	


		by  | October 2, 2011 · 8:26 am	


	
Pulpit Freedom (First Video Blog)
	

		
Well, I am a little nervous, to say the least. I am posting my first video.


Yesterday I recorded this so that I could save some time. The problem is that I had no idea the difficulties I would have trying to get it uploaded. So, what was supposed to appear on Saturday afternoon is finally coming on line, now.


I apologize.


I also apologize for the quality of the video. I recorded it in HD, but it wasn’t uploaded that way. Better luck next time, I suppose.


Also, please forgive me for being a little nervous when this was recorded. My wife said I used “um” or “uh” too many times. I normally, uh, don’t, uh, do that.




Related articles


			

	
	

		
Leave a comment


					
Filed under Christian Living, Christian Unity, Culture Wars, General Observations, Preaching

			
Tagged as , , 

			









	


		by  | September 27, 2011 · 12:55 pm	


	
My Dream (Bucket) List
	

		
I have dreams…


Really, I do! And that is a good thing. Even though I just turned 44, which is 4 years over-the-hill and that much closer to assuming room temperature, I can still dream of things I would like to do while on this earth.


Now, there are some things on my list, or in my bucket, or however you want to say it, that could be considered serious and profound. On the other hand, there are some things that I would like to do, see, or acquire that are purely for fun. Check out the list below and see if you can tell which ones are realistic, serious, or just plain crazy.


I would like to…


    

  • be the next Billy Graham
    • 

  • fly in a vintage WW2 and/or jet-age fighter (especially a Spitfire or F86 Sabre)
    • 

  • drive a Shelby Cobra, a 1971 Jaguar E-type, a Ferrari, and a 007-like Aston Martin DB5
    • 



I would also like to…


    

  • see one politician act like Jimmy Stewart in Mr. Smith Goes to Washington
    • 

  • see prayer allowed in schools
    • 

  • see someone pray, like Daniel, in the public arena despite the threats of prosecution
    • 

  • see Ronald Reagan come back from the dead and say, “Everybody get off the stage, cause I’m running again.” Of course, I would be happy to see Lincoln, or Jefferson, or even JFK do the same.
    • 

  • hear one American president tell terrorist-sponsoring nations, “We’ve been nice with our ‘smart bombs,’ but we could go back to the way we did things in the 1940’s…ever heard of carpet bombing?”
    • 



I dream of going to…


    

  • Israel
    • 

  • London
    • 

  • Moscow
    • 

  • Disney World, again
    • 

  • Narnia
    • 



I would love to meet…


    

  • A sitting president (two, if Obama was included)
    • 

  • Billy Graham
    • 

  • Rush Limbaugh (sorry, folks, I’m a conservative)
    • 

  • Lindsey Lohan (just to tell her there’s a better way to live)
    • 

  • Justin Bieber (to give me street cred with the middle-school set)
    • 

  • Roger Whittaker (and take my little girl, who is a huge fan)
    • 

  • A real stay-at-home mom (or dad) who made a fortune with a work-from-home business they heard about on a commercial.
    • 

  • Mel Gibson (to tell him that God still loves him)
    • 



I would love to play…




    

  • a Stradivarius
    • 

  • like Tommy Emmanuel (please watch), Chet Atkins, Eric Clapton, or B.B. King
    • 

  • a game of chess with a computer – and win
    • 

  • the lottery (with money I found) – and win
    • 

  • a minor part in a movie with Sean Connery, Sylvester Stallone, and Arnold Schwarzenegger
    • 

  • In front of Simon Cowell and hear him say, “Others may have the X factor, but you have the ‘WOW’ factor! Paula, don’t you agree?…Paula…Paula?…”
    • 



I would love to have…




    

  • the ability to fly at will
    • 

  • a new suit that fits
    • 

  • Logos Bible Software (Platinum Edition) and a computer to run it.
    • 

  • a cheeseburger that doesn’t make me fat
    • 

  • hot dogs that tree-huggers wouldn’t complain about
    • 



But most of all, when all is said and done, my greatest wish, my greatest dream, is to hear God the Father say, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” Everything else – the memories of what I did, the places I saw, the people I met, the things I owned – will pass or fade away.  And that’s OK, because nothing will compare to the glory that awaits in the presence of my Savior, Jesus Christ.






In the meantime, if you happen to own a 427 Cobra, or extra tickets to the Holy Land, you could make a dream come true…call me anytime.

			

	
	

		
7 Comments


					
Filed under General Observations

			
Tagged as , , , , 

			









	


		by  | September 23, 2011 · 1:09 pm	


	
How Badly Do You Really Want It?
	

		
Do you ever catch yourself singing commercial jingles for no apparent reason? Well, when I am driving, bored, and a little (or a lot) sleepy, I tend to start singing songs I learned as a child. In particular, one song is tops on my repertoire…


The Oscar Mayer Wiener Song.




Oh, I wish I were an Oscar Mayer wiener / That is what I’d truly like to be ‘Cause if I were an Oscar Mayer wiener / Everyone would be in love with me.




First appearing in 1965, this song has become boiled, grilled, steamed, fried, and even micro-waved into our memories. But recently it struck me…what in the world am I saying? Am I so desperate for the attention of others that I would be willing to become an unhealthy food source?


The Need for Love


There are many hurting people in the world who would wish for nothing more than someone to love them. They go to great lengths to be prettier, richer, more popular, or even more “available” – all to find love. But do you really think it’s a good idea to wish you were a hot dog?


What most people don’t know is that there was a second verse to the Oscar Mayer wiener song. In the 1965 commercial a truly intelligent boy quickly understood the true ramifications of the song’s wish and sang the following:




Oh, I’m glad I’m not an Oscar Mayer wiener / That is what I’d never want to be/ ‘Cause if I were an Oscar Mayer wiener / There would soon be nothing left of me.




Sing it, brother! You tell ’em! Why would anyone want to be a hot dog? Do you really want to be loved so badly that you would sacrifice your humanity and allow yourself to be eaten? It’s not worth it, people…believe me!


The lyrics to this song could be re-written to expose what people are really saying. “Oh I wish I was something else instead of human / A tube of meat is what I want to be / I’d gladly die alone in boiling water / If you would only say that you loved me.“


Look, there is no reason to want to become a hot dog (you might get eaten by one). Really, there is nothing to be gained by having your body boiled or grilled on an open flame; covered in chili, relish, mustard, and onions; then chewed repeatedly until you’re swallowed by someone who will forget you an hour later (unless the chili upsets them). Stay human. It’s better that way! 


You are Loved!


Ironically, someone did become something He was not in order to die for love. The big difference is that He was God and became Human, not a hot dog. And what’s more, He didn’t die to be loved – He died because He loved. His name is Jesus, and He died for you. You are VERY loved!




“For God so love the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him, should not perish, but have everlasting life.” – John 3:16 KJV


“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” – Romans 5:8 NIV

			

	
	

		
4 Comments


					
Filed under Food, General Observations, salvation, Uncategorized, Witnessing

			
Tagged as , , , , , ,